Who was referred to as `Sandrocottus' in the writings of the Greeks?a...
Chandragupta Maurya was referred to as 'Sandrocottus' in the writings of the Greeks.
Explanation:
The Greek writers referred to the Indian king Chandragupta Maurya as 'Sandrocottus' in their writings. This identification was made by Greek historians and writers such as Megasthenes, Diodorus Siculus, and Strabo.
Chandragupta Maurya:
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire in ancient India. He ruled from around 322 BCE to 298 BCE. He established one of the largest empires in Indian history and played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the Indian subcontinent.
Reason for the Greek name 'Sandrocottus':
The Greek historian and ambassador Megasthenes, who visited the Mauryan court during Chandragupta's reign, described him as 'Sandrocottus' in his writings. This name was derived from the Prakrit term 'Chandragupta' and was Hellenized into 'Sandrocottus' by the Greeks.
Accounts of Greek Historians:
Megasthenes, in his work 'Indica,' provided detailed accounts of the Mauryan Empire and Chandragupta's rule. He described Chandragupta as a powerful and ambitious ruler who conquered vast territories in northern India.
Diodorus Siculus, another Greek historian, also mentioned 'Sandrocottus' in his writings. He described Chandragupta as a contemporary of Seleucus I Nicator, the Greek general and founder of the Seleucid Empire. According to Diodorus Siculus, Seleucus and Chandragupta engaged in negotiations and eventually signed a treaty, establishing friendly relations between the Mauryan and Seleucid empires.
Strabo, a Greek geographer and historian, also referred to Chandragupta as 'Sandrocottus' in his writings. He provided insights into the Mauryan Empire and its vast wealth and power.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, was referred to as 'Sandrocottus' in the writings of the Greeks. This identification was made by Greek historians such as Megasthenes, Diodorus Siculus, and Strabo, who documented his reign and the significance of the Mauryan Empire in their works.